“The workshop underscored the fact that the South African education system is largely failing the community it is meant to serve. South African learners perform very badly in international tests of fundamental skills such as numeracy and literacy. This means that the education system is not providing most learners with the skills they need to find jobs. Recent studies have shown that economic growth in a country is closely linked to the cognitive skills of its citizens. Poor education in South Africa is a serious constraint on improved rates of inclusive economic growth, which is vital to combat poverty. Moreover, the gap between the few who receive a good education and the many who do not perpetuates social and economic inequality, and limits national development.”
